Arizona Wildcats Send Four Standouts to 2026 NBA Draft Combine
Following a deep run to the Final Four, the Arizona Wildcats are making a significant impression on the professional landscape. The NBA has invited four Arizona players to the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, placing them among a select group of 73 prospects vying for a spot in the league.
The delegation includes guards Brayden Burries and Jaden Bradley, alongside forwards Koa Peat and Tobe Awaka. With two players already projected as first-round picks, the combine serves as a critical platform for these athletes to solidify their draft stock and showcase their versatility to NBA scouts.
The First-Round Contenders: Burries and Peat
Brayden Burries and Koa Peat enter the combine with significant momentum, both viewed by many analysts as likely first-round selections. Their contributions were pivotal to Arizona’s success over the past season.
Brayden Burries established himself as a consistent offensive threat, appearing in all 39 games. He averaged 16.1 points per game, shooting 49.1% from the field and 39.1% from beyond the arc. Beyond scoring, Burries provided well-rounded contributions with 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 steals in approximately 29.8 minutes of play per game.
Koa Peat has quickly risen through the ranks, earning a spot on the All-Freshman Team and being named an All-Big 12 Third Teamer. Peat’s efficiency in the paint and ability to facilitate are evident in his season averages: 14.1 points on 52.8% shooting, complemented by 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game.
Award-Winning Impact: Bradley and Awaka
While Burries and Peat draw first-round attention, Jaden Bradley and Tobe Awaka bring elite accolades and specialized skill sets to the combine.
Jaden Bradley enters the professional conversation as the Big 12 Player of the Year. The senior guard averaged 13.3 points per game on 46.3% shooting and 39.4% from long range. His leadership and playmaking were highlighted by 4.4 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game. Bradley has already caught the attention of professional teams; ESPN analyst Jeremy Woo recently linked him to the Phoenix Suns at the No. 47 overall spot in a mock draft.
Tobe Awaka provides a different dimension as the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year. Known for his efficiency and rebounding, Awaka averaged 9.3 points per game, shooting a remarkable 58.7% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range. His dominance on the glass was a standout feature, averaging 9.1 rebounds per game. Currently ranked as the 85th-best prospect on Jeremy Woo’s big board, Awaka has a prime opportunity at the combine to climb the rankings.
Player Performance Summary
| Player | Position | PPG | FG% | Key Accolade/Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brayden Burries | Guard | 16.1 | 49.1% | Projected 1st Round |
| Koa Peat | Forward | 14.1 | 52.8% | All-Big 12 Third Team |
| Jaden Bradley | Guard | 13.3 | 46.3% | Big 12 Player of the Year |
| Tobe Awaka | Forward | 9.3 | 58.7% | Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year |
What’s Next for the Wildcats
The NBA Draft Combine is more than just a series of drills; it’s a high-stakes evaluation period where players can jump several slots in the draft order through strong showings in 5-on-5 scrimmages and team interviews. For players like Awaka and Bradley, a strong week could move them into the guaranteed first-round range. For Burries and Peat, the goal is to secure a top-tier position by proving their collegiate success translates to the professional level.
- Four Arizona players (Burries, Peat, Bradley, Awaka) are among the 73 invitees to the 2026 NBA Combine.
- Brayden Burries and Koa Peat are the primary first-round candidates from the group.
- Jaden Bradley enters the draft as the reigning Big 12 Player of the Year.
- Tobe Awaka’s elite rebounding and efficiency make him a key “stock-riser” candidate.